Hi all, I hope you are having a great day :D

I've recently decided to challenge myself and try out some "easy" triathlon next summer, so I've been working on my running and swimming quite diligently for the past 4-5 months. My goal is to try a first easy / short tri by the end of summer 2025. When it comes to cycling, however, I'm a total noob. I really want to get into the sport but getting my first bike has been tough: too much choice, too much conflicting advice online.

Here are my (soft) requirements. Since I'm a beginner but I'm also quite committed to giving it a shot for at least one year, I've decided to set my budget to about 1000 euros. I'd like to use this bike as my entry point to the world of cycling and eventually use it for some short triathlon event. I'd also like to use it for commuting, if possible.

After weeks of research, and also based on what is easy to source where I live (I am currently located in Bulgaria, in Eastern Europe) without paying too much in shipping costs, I've narrowed down the choices to the following bikes:

1. Triban rc520 105 prowheel (women version) - Yes, I'm aware this is the women version and I'm a man, but the men version is very hard to get these days and the difference doesn't seem to be that much. I've read that other people as tall as me (about 170 cm) have bought this bike and it worked out for them. The M size currently sells for about 875 euros
2. Triban rc520 150 gravel - The gravel version of the one above. The crank is shimano rs 150. Other than that and the wheels, I can't really tell what's the big difference with the one above, but it seels at about 1100 euros, slightly over budget.
3. Cube Attain SLX - unfortunately it went out of stock at the local reseller as I was writing this :/ but feel free to give me your thoughts on this. It used to sell at about 1100 euros.

So, I tend to lean towards the first one because it's cheaper, it's available now, it has a partially 105 groupset - the cassette and crank are not 105 - and disk breaks, I'm not sure about the "women version" part. That being said, I'm very much open to other options, the only strict requirements are the price (including shipping costs and duties) as well as the availability in the EU (shipping to Germany or Italy would also beok). That's it, thank you all in advance for your feedback and have a great day.

Looking for an all-purpose dropbar bike with mounts for racks, fenders, and more. I can't find anything too good in my area in a Small, but found decent deals new online (in title. includes shipping). Which of these bikes would someone recommend for someone new to road and gravel bikes. I'd like to have one bike that can do pavement for commuting, is fun to ride and can zip on the weekends, and can do occasional bikepacking.

Any deals that come up around black friday?

Hey all!! I'm looking to upgrade and get my first road/gravel bike. I've been riding a Trek 820 that's a smidge too big for me and I will probably keep it as my commuter so I can lock it up on errands and not worry. I've started going on longer rides (40 mi+) and have been looking for something a little more comfortable. I mostly ride on paved roads and trails, but looking to do some gravel riding. The budget is max 1500 and I'm 5'2. I've done some very minimal research, but so far I've been looking at the following bikes. Ideally, I'm planning to test-ride all of them, but was looking for some topline feedback from folks!

Felt FR 30: I've seen the least about this bike, but I've seen some good deals on it online.

https://www.feltbicycles.com/en-nz/archive/2023/road-bikes/fr-road-race/fr-30.html

Trek Checkpoint: I worry a little bit about sizing, but I've always ridden Trek bikes and never had a problem with them

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road-bikes/gravel-bikes/checkpoint/checkpoint-alr/checkpoint-alr-3/p/47530/?colorCode=red

Fuji Jari 2.3 or 2.1: I know the least about Fuji, but I've read good things about their bikes.

https://www.fujibikes.com/collections/all-bikes/products/jari-21-22

https://www.fujibikes.com/collections/all-bikes/products/jari-23-22

Happy to look into other brands/models as well, these were just the ones I knew would be available near me.

Prepend -- at the moment I ride a Cannondale Quick CX 4. I am leaning more heavily towards the Giant Contend now but am curious if the $500 pricepoint is appropriate without tires

Hey all-- recently got into cycling last Fall and am looking to transition from a hybrid to a road cycle as I spend all of my time commuting and riding the roads with no interest in offroad riding. I have been hawking my local FB Marketplace in search of a worthy steed and came across a Scott CR1 30 from 2015. Is this bike worth $800? Seems to be in like-new condition with minimal wear on the bike overall.

I am also looking at a Giant Contend SL 2 Disc for $500 with no tires included (so probably around $700 final). Contend is outfitted with Tiagra. Images can be seen here.

Any help appreciated - I am still a bit of a major newbie with all the technicals so apologies if there's anything blatant I'm missing!

EDIT: Lastly I've spoken with my LBS about a possible trade-in for a brand new Marin Four Corners 1. Curious if anyone has any opinions on this cycle compared to the former 2- I imagine it would come out to about $750 brand-new traded in. My concern is that it may be slower than I'm hoping due to its marketing as a gravel cycle.

I am looking for my first "serious" bike, for riding and commuting around the city mostly. Would be used on paved pathways, roads, and the odd gravel path. I'd like something that's comfortable to ride, but quick and light and easier on the uphills.

Currently, I do have a 2015 trek verve 3. It's done me well - very comfortable to ride but I do find it is heavy, I think it's a size too big, and not so agile. It weighs in at 32lbs, vs the Quick 2 at 24 lbs.

I'm wondering if the weight and other differences will be enough to make me feel like this is a decent upgrade?

My budget is $1800 and the cannondale is currently on sale at my local bike store for $1150, marked down from $1600. They have 1 left in my size so it feels kind of meant to be! I am 5'5", 125lbs, and fairly active.

Thanks!

https://www.bowcycle.com/product/cannondale-quick-womens-2-366175-1.htm

I ride a 2002 Jamis Coda. I've been riding it regularly since then. It has served me really, really well. It's a rock-solid city commuter.

I bought this bike brand new when I was in my late 20s. Now I'm above 50 and I'm thinking differently about how I ride. I'm considering a replacement if I can find something I'll fall in love with. I don't know what I'm looking for exactly, but I think it's time for a different bike for the next 20 years.

• I'd like to find a bike that helps me sit a little more upright. I think I'm done with the straight handlebars.
• I'm also thinking something a little more cargo-friendly. Not a cargo bike, but maybe something designed with a front basket and a good-sized rear rack. (I've been using a Targus bag with fold-down panniers for 20 years and it's starting to fall apart).
• Aesthetically, I'm considering more of a classic look. Maybe not "retro" but a nod in that direction.
• Speed is not a big concern here. I'm more interested in comfort, reliability, safety, utility. My normal commute is about 8 miles each way and I'll do longer and shorter city rides frequently.

I started my thought process here after reading the New Yorker article about Rivendell bikes (which I don't think is the right brand for me, but I'd consider it).

I realize this is rather vague, but I'm hoping my post strikes a nerve with someone. Thanks!

EDIT: No idea why I put a question mark at the end of the post title.

Comes with 105 components and seems to be in good condition. What do you guys think? pic related

Hello,

While browsing for ebikes, I came across the Elops (Btwin?) LD500E e bike from Decathlon. I primarily need a bike to commute back and forth between home and work. Some 25Km daily. Besides that I do not think I would need the bike a lot.

Does anybody have experience with this particular ebike? How's the motor's support? Or maybe a recommendation for one within 1500$ (the cheaper the better)?

Cheers

I have one bike, a surly Cross Check, that has been great. I've maxed out the tire size on it and treat it like a rough road, go anywhere tank. Slowly take it up into the hills and ride home on fire roads. I have no real issues doing road riding on it, expect I'm a bit slow and have a 1x9 set up on it so have to really grind out the uphills sometimes.

I'm looking to get more into pure, or mostly, road riding - a lighter bike with smaller tires. The type of bike I take out for laps in the hills after work. I don't have much experience with any other material than steel, thus I've centered on the above all steel bikes. But also I'm mindful not to get a whole new bike that is too similar to the Cross Check either.

Any thoughts on the ones I've listed? Or if you have any other ideas for a novice road riding looking for more road optimized bike?

Thank you kindly.

Just pulled the trigger on this today. BMC wasn't really on my radar but it kinda ticked all the boxes for me and was on the low end of my budget. Bought it from the original owner who says it's spent most of it's life on an indoor trainer (i.e., low rear wheel/cassette use). Couple teeny superficial scuffs, otherwise looks and rides like new. That said, I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the factors that go into valuation/depreciation in the used market and I have no experience with this brand - hard to gauge if this was a good price...curious to see what you all think.

FWIW, looks like the current exchange rate for what I paid is about $420 USD

https://preview.redd.it/wsnc8bl8id0e1.png?width=2392&format=png&auto=webp&s=f3b6739c8a153e7aeef3309227d76aafc5b1d5bb

20.5 inches from gear to top of the seat tube according to the owner. Says hasn't been used in the last 15 years but was stored well. I'm 5'8.

Can someone give me their thoughts on this one? Found it for 1200 and seems like a great deal, but I know it's discontinued. Is the model worth it? Would repairs on it be tricky?

Hey everyone,

Sorry for the long post but just wanted to get my thoughts out, been spending way to long going back and forth between different bikes.

I recently had a bike fit, and now I’m torn between a few bikes that each have pros and cons for my ideal fit. I’d appreciate any insight to help me make a decision!

About Me and My Riding

• Typical ride: 20-30 miles, with one longer ride each week
• I spend about 6-8 hours a week riding and have been riding for just over a year.
• Goals: I want something fast, but comfort is also important, especially for those longer rides. Torn between an endurance setup or something racier.

The Bikes I’m Considering

1. Pinarello X (5/7) – Size 49
   • This one would let me have a 100mm stem with no spacers, fitting perfectly to my bike fit specs.
   • Cost: £5.5k-7k
   • My bike fitter can sell this to me and is willing to change out parts to match my fit at no extra charge.
2. Canyon Endurace – Size XS
   • This would fit similarly to the Pinarello and offer great value. However, I’d need to change a few components to get the fit spot on.
   • More bike for my money but would need to change handle bars to get my fit correct
3. Cervelo Caledonia-5 – Size 51
   • Fit would require a 100mm stem with 15-20mm of spacers.
   • Cost: £6.6k (comes with Dura-Ace spec, which is tempting).
   • Pros: Good components and seems like a solid balance between endurance and race geometry.
   • Cons: Not quite as dialed-in on fit as the Pinarello or Canyon Endurace.
4. Cervelo Soloist – Size 54
   • I’d need a 90mm stem with about 15mm of spacers to get close to my fit.
   • Pros: More of a “racy” feel, which is tempting for speed.
   • Cons: Not as ideal for fit, may compromise some comfort.

The endurance bikes (Pinarello X and Canyon Endurace) seem to fit me best, but I worry about whether I'd regret not getting something a bit racier. I want a fast bike but don’t want to sacrifice too much comfort, especially as my longest rides increase.

So, based on my riding style and preferences:

• Would an endurance bike like the Pinarello X or Canyon Endurace be a better fit, or could I comfortably make the Cervelo options work for the best of both worlds?
• Any other bike models I might be overlooking?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

I was wondering if there would be a huge aero difference between these two styles of bikes when using clip on aero bars. I am planning to train for a triathlon next year along with longer bike rides in general. I am leaning towards buying an endurance bike due to the comfort they provide but I want to make sure Im not costing myself a ton of watts over a 50+ mi bike portion of a triathlon.

Have been looking for a second hand bike for a while but none have come up on FB marketplace in my size. (6'3/190~cm)

So I've been looking to get a new one at around £1200 and have seen these 2 come up a few times:

https://www.halfords.com/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-slr-8.9-105-mens-road-bike-2021---s-m-l-xl-frames-365462.html

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Allez-E5-2025-Road-Bike_271759.htm?variations=colour:Gloss%20Lagoon%20Blue/Cool%20Grey/Blaze

Boardman SLR 8.9 | Specialized Allez

Which one would you choose? Or is there any other bikes at a similar price point that you guys would recommend?

I live in Exeter, UK for what its worth, and would primarily want to ride on roads and climb hills as fast as possible. As the roads are rubbish i would not be against a similar spec gravel bike either. I'm currently leaning towards the SLR as i live near a halfords which could be handy if something went wrong.

Thanks!!

I've been considering getting both bikes (5 is around 1k more). They both have the same frame with some lower grade components on the 7 (e.g resin brakes and 105 vs 105 DI2).

Should I get the 7 and look to upgrade the components or get the 5?

I bike about 3 miles to and from work 6 days a week looking for an upright riding bike as I do not like Rodin bikes where I have to lean forward any help is appreciated